A Smart Future: AAE Member Editors Discuss Modern Endodontics: Focus on AI
By Elisabeth Lisican
When Dental Clinics of North America approached Dr. Sami Chogle for a topic idea, he knew exactly where to steer the conversation: artificial intelligence. What began as a bold pitch has now evolved into a full-fledged special issue—Modern Endodontics: Focus on AI—edited by Drs. Chogle, Mark Desrosiers, and Asma Khan.
In an interview with the AAE, the endodontic editorial trio reflected on the process of shaping this forward-looking issue, the urgency of AI integration in dentistry, and the unique opportunity for endodontics to lead.
What’s Inside the Issue:
- Foundational Technologies and Tools
The opening chapters provide a broad overview of current technologies assisting endodontists and highlight diagnostic innovations related to periapical radiolucencies (PARLs), root fractures, and external cervical resorption (ECR). - Advances in Imaging, Robotics, and Prognosis
From 3D imaging and surgical guides to robotic integration and AI’s role in predicting treatment outcomes, several articles examine how intelligent systems are enhancing precision and decision-making. - Practice Management and Ethics
A deep dive into how AI is influencing the business and ethical dimensions of endodontic care, with attention to patient privacy, professional responsibility, and emerging best practices. - Endodontic Education Reimagined
Two chapters explore how virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI-based simulation are transforming how endodontic skills are taught and learned—both at the student and continuing education levels. - Looking Ahead
The final two chapters take a bold step into the future, considering what’s next—and what lies beyond the horizon—for endodontics as AI tools continue to evolve and embed themselves into clinical practice.
An Idea Whose Time Had Come
“I’ve worked with DCNA in the past… back in 2012 when things were warming up with regenerative endodontics,” Dr. Chogle explained. “That was my cue as well in terms of AI—seeing the increase in publications, the interest in dental applications.”
Although the idea was initially met with some skepticism, the editors quickly demonstrated the depth and breadth of AI’s relevance to the specialty.
“I think we convinced them that there was enough potential for us to create an issue solely based on artificial intelligence within [endodontics],” said Dr. Chogle. “Of course, once the idea was on the table, I had to bring in the real brains behind the whole issue.”
Why AI Matters to Endodontics
Each editor emphasized that the special issue is about more than just trend-following—it’s about preparing the specialty for transformative change.
Dr. Desrosiers noted, “AI is big for everything, not just endodontics… this is going to make our specialty look good … as a specialty, we’re at the forefront.”
Dr. Khan added, “As endodontists, as educators, we really need to educate ourselves… We need to play an active role in how these applications are developed, how they are used in our offices.”
AI’s rapid growth means the specialty can’t afford to wait: “It’s sort of insidious, creeping into a lot of dentistry and non-dental fields as well,” said Dr. Chogle. “Hopefully this helps readers understand that it’s already here.”
Addressing Misconceptions
One key goal of the issue is to clarify what AI is—and what it’s not.
“AI is not a threat, or should not be a threat,” said Dr. Khan. “It’s really a good tool to help us serve our patients better.”
She advocated for reframing the conversation: “We should start thinking in terms of augmented intelligence… it augments or helps the endodontist. It is not meant to replace endodontists.”
Dr. Desrosiers cautioned against assuming AI is ready-made: “It is a tool that has to be used with caution… Certainly right now it’s the bleeding edge, but it is changing so quickly.”
AI in Education: Learning and Teaching in Real Time
As educators, all three editors acknowledged the unique challenge of teaching a rapidly evolving subject.
“We’re learning it and we’re learning how to teach it at the same time,” said Dr. Desrosiers. “While this is challenging, the potential is very promising.”
Dr. Khan outlined how AI is already changing education at every level—from didactic lectures to simulation labs to continuing education. “The teaching and learning experience is richer and more personalized,” she said.
Dr. Chogle offered a glimpse into the future: “We had a resident use AI and augmented reality to practice a procedure on a virtual patient—the same patient they were going to see. They practiced the surgery virtually, and then did it.” He called it “a good teaching tool for residents to be able to practice before they get into the surgical field.”
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Editorial Insights
While most authors featured in the publication are endodontists, a few chapters brought in contributors from other disciplines—particularly for ethics and practice management. These chapters had a lasting impact on the editorial team.
“The ethics chapter really opened my eyes,” said Dr. Desrosiers. “It’s a lot broader than I first thought.” Dr. Desrosiers also said he was impressed by contributor Kim FitzSimmons’ (AAE’s Chief Marketing & Communications Officer) chapter, “Endodontic Practice Management.”
“I was really impressed with how far ahead of the curve she was compared to what I had perceived,” he said.
Dr. Khan added, “It was fun to collaborate with different disciplines. It was an enriching experience.”
No Favorites—But Lots to Be Excited About
When asked if they had a favorite chapter, the editors were unanimous: every piece adds value.
“Even if you tried [to pick], there was a good amount of overlap,” said Dr. Chogle. “It’s like a complete monograph.”
The contributors also represented a range of career stages—from residents to veteran educators—which added depth and variety.
AI’s Potential and the Role of the AAE
The editors offered a glimpse of what excites them most about AI’s potential. Dr. Khan sees AI as a bridge between biology and technology: “It could evaluate a patient’s individual factors and help us determine the best prognosis.”
Dr. Chogle emphasized the potential in practice management and patient communication, citing an AI-powered video that could translate practice information into multiple languages: “A very small aspect, but it’s how it’s incorporating into almost everything we’re doing.”
As the issue prepares for publication, the editors also are looking forward to the AAE remaining engaged and proactive.
“This is a first step,” said Dr. Chogle. “But it does need a proactive and consistent effort that will help us stay on top of AI incorporation into dentistry.”
The issue, “Modern Endodontics: Focus on AI,” will be available in print and digitally later this month via DCNA. Learn more at https://www.dental.theclinics.com/.
About the Editors:
Mark B. Desrosiers, DMD, currently serves as Secretary of the AAE Board of Directors and teaches part-time at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine. He is fascinated by the technological changes in our specialty both in materials and Artificial Intelligence. His “free” time is spent traveling with his wife and visiting his children and grandchildren.
Dr. Asma Khan is a tenured Professor at UT San Antonio. She received her dental degree from India, her PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Maryland, and her Certificate in Endodontics from UT Health San Antonio. She currently serves on the Council of Scientific Affairs of the American Dental Association and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Journal of Endodontics. Her research interests include the use of AI to improve clinical practice and the development of new diagnostics and analgesics.
Elisabeth Lisican is the AAE’s assistant director of communications & publishing.